Let's talk about fashion on a budget--because adulting is hard, but having a fierce look (and attitude to back it) isn't. Many of us have been known to make some mistakes when it comes to shopping on a budget. I definitely have. There's nothing worse than not being able to enjoy a piece of clothing because your guilt over spending $100 on it overshadows its beauty. If you follow these tips, you won't ever be in that situation again:
- Shop Out of Season. This is one of the harder tips to follow. Humans are into instant gratification and when you buy a swimsuit in the winter you don't get that rush of endorphins from the buy & wear bit. But...if you can take it or maybe change your mindset (think of every buy as instant gratification vs the wearing of the item), then this is one of your top money savers.
- Hunt for Sales/Coupons. My wallet hates fashion, but my closet loves me--and this hack lightens the negativity coming from my wallet. It isn't difficult by any means but does take some time and effort. I like to use google (my daughter calls me old when I say I'm going to 'google' something) to find coupons before I shop online. It's my favorite way to shop, I hate in store shopping anymore--but this way you know where to shop before you fall in love with something. Be careful of sales, though, as a lot of stores will mark up their prices and then call the original price a sale.
- Shop Secondhand. If my 16-year-old self could hear this coming out of my mouth now, whew. I think teenagers are into the thrift store trend nowadays, though. That's neither here nor there...the point is that this is a great way to save money. It also takes some time, but not a ton--unless you're restarting a whole wardrobe or something. You can find some amazing steals at a thrift shop. Many of their items aren't even worn, if that matters to you. Thrift shops prove that you don't have to have money to look it. Just be sure to wash the items when you get home. They say they're clean, but, just wash them.
- Invest in Neutrals. Neutrals, or whatever you wear often. If that's pink, then get lots of pinks. If you wear mostly office clothes, invest in those. There's got to be one thing that can spread itself out in many ways that you should focus on purchasing. Neutrals are great because then everything goes with everything. Tan pants can go with any neutral colored top, bright colored tops, pastel tops, etc. You'll see what I mean.
- Mix n' Match. This is kind of an obvious one but one worth mentioning. Similar to the neutral strategy, if you have a few pieces that go together, you can often mix and match those pieces to maybe make 5-10 outfits.
- Compile a Capsule Wardrobe. This is my number one fashion hack. I do this--when I can. A Capsule wardrobe is when you invest in a staple amount of nice pieces (could be a handful, could be more, even just start with one), then you use those pieces to branch off into outfits. If I have a nice jean skirt, for example, I can wear it with heels and a dressy blouse, a sleeveless top with sweater and boots, a fitted tee and flip flops...I could keep going.
Now that you've read my fashion hacks, it's time to put the sass in there. The sass can't be bought--it comes from within. Just tell yourself that you are strong, amazing, and that you got this--and nobody will stand in your way. There's your recipe for sass. You're welcome.
Until next time,
Mama Gnome A.K.A. Eliza
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